Amber Heard speaks out about Johnny Depp abuse claims

May 31, 2016

Amber Heard has spoken out about the physical assault she claims to have endured at the hands of husband Johnny Depp and said she will give a full statement to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). After being granted a restraining order, the actress said she previously stayed quiet in a bid to "protect her privacy and Johnny's career"

A statement released by Amber's lead attorney Samantha F. Spector and her co-counsel Joseph P. Koenig described the 29-year-old as a "hero" for standing up to the actor, after allegedly suffering "years of physical and psychological abuse".

"With her statement Amber hopes to give the LAPD the opportunity to conduct an accurate and complete investigation into the events of that evening and before," the statement said. "If that occurs, and the truth is revealed, there is no doubt that Amber’s claims will be substantiated beyond any doubt, and hopefully Johnny will get the help that he so desperately needs."

The statement said: "Amber is simply a victim of domestic violence, and none of her actions are motivated by money. Amber is a brave and financially independent woman who is showing the courage of her convictions by doing the right thing against Johnny's relentless army of lawyers and surrogates."

They concluded: "The Family Law Court is not going to be influenced by misinformation placed in the social media based on anonymous sources. Amber is the victim. Amber is a hero."

Amber filed for divorce from Johnny on 23 May, citing irreconcilable differences. The Pineapple Express actress was later granted a restraining order, after claiming that there had been three cases of domestic abuse in the last six months, with an event in December 2015 that made her "truly fear that my life was in danger".

Johnny has since been publically supported by his daughter Lily-Rose, who posted a throwback snap of herself as a toddler with her father, adding the caption: "My dad is the sweetest most loving person I know, he's been nothing but a wonderful father to my little brother and I, and everyone who knows him would say the same." She then accompanied the statement with a love heart emoji.

The 17-year-old is not the only person to support the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, as his ex-wife of 12 years Vanessa Paradis also came forward to dismiss Amber's accusation. In a letter obtained by TMZ, she wrote: "In all the years I have known Johnny, he has never been physically abusive with me and this looks nothing like the man I lived with for 14 wonderful years.

"He is a sensitive, loving and loved person, and I believe with all my heart, that these recent allegations being made are outrageous."

HELLO! Canada magazine is available for your tablet and smartphone. Get HELLO! Canada, PEOPLE, Vanity Fair and over 100 more of the world’s best magazines for one low monthly price at Texture by Next Issue. CLICK HERE to sign up for a free trial.